Trouble Don't Last

Harrison points out that he and Samuel have little choice but to follow this man even though neither of them understands or agrees with his decision to send Hetty back into the river. The river man leads Harrison and Samuel along a creek to a clearing with a house and barn. He directs them to go to the back of the house to the open cellar door and climb the steps down into it. Blankets and food have already been placed there. He tells them to hide until the “white widow lady” comes to get them and take them to the next safe place (90). Samuel doesn’t understand what sort of white person would want to help him because the Hacklers certainly didn’t.

The river man also gives them parting advice. First, he tells them to walk as if they’re not doing anything wrong. Also, he tells them not to immediately run if a patroller speaks to them because this looks suspicious and will most likely lead to capture. Instead, they should look for a weakness and form a reasonable plan, then escape. The river man then inspects Harrison’s sack and declares that he will take everything in it.